Dragon Diary

Entry 17: Death and Hope

Hello Diary,
My father had me perform his spell of death two more times. I made sure to heed his advice and whisper the spell. The amount of emotion I put into a spell affects how it works. This is fascinating and beyond my power to currently study further. As I get stronger and more powerful I may be able to experiment with my limits. I would rather not use the only real dark spell I currently know since it leads to innocent death.

Today, yet again, I got a taste of my father's cruel wrath. I had killed a few more innocent animals yesterday and when my father said he had a real target for me to try out I could only tremble in trepidation.

"You called for me sir?"
That was a hesitant voice, but it was one that was familiar and caused me to look up and see the staggering form in the entryway. It was Ormond, my old blind teacher.

Suddenly my body froze. I knew what my father was going to have me do. I am not an executioner. I do not want to murder dragons, especially one I respect.

"Yes Ormond, old friend, please come and sit down. I wanted to ask you something about the rebellion..." Gaelon barely waited for the old drake to hobble in and sniff the air before continuing. "...tell me, did you know my army was going to turn on me on the day of the equinox? You should know if I am not satisfied with your answer then my son will end your life, quickly but painfully."

Ormond shuddered but nodded, "Sir I have served under your family my whole life. I would never betray you." He said bravely, his blank unseeing eyes staring right at his king.

"Then why have you been having secret meetings with Commander Cand?" The king snarled in anger. His red eyes narrowed in an evil glare.

Ormond did not show his fear, though I knew it was there. There is not a single creature in all of Angoleth who does not tremble in king Gaelon's presence. The only one who did not is now gone.

"Cand came to me on his own. He was concerned about what I was teaching the whelp." Ormond said letting his tail flick to point at me. "If you ask me, he was far too attached to the boy. He was getting paranoid. I never heard anything about a rebellion when I talked with him."

My father snarled, disliking the answer he was given. He never liked the answers he got from anyone so I wasn't surprised, until his red eyes suddenly turned on me.

"Ruinar, this dragon taught you how to use your red drake gifts. Now enter his mind and make sure he is not lying to me." It was a harsh and stern order that made me shiver in fear.

I took a few steps closer to my old teacher and he made no movement of resistance. I stared at him, trying to read his face but I knew I would have to use my power. I had done this several times before during our lessons in the past. But this time I was hesitant, at least until I heard my father's deep snarl behind me.

Then I heard the calm old voice of Ormond in my head, 'It is alright Ruinar. I know he is only trying to test your loyalty, not mine. My usefulness to the king has run out and he will dispose of me. That is always what he does. Before I die I should tell you something... Cand and Eira are alive!'

My eyes went wide in shock and I shook my head. I could not stop a tear from running down my face. I heard my father growling. He had been staring at me this whole time.

"Father... You were right. He did know about the rebellion. He also regrets not informing you, even though he was only suspicious of Cand. He is an old forgetful fool." For some reason that was the only thing I could think to say to try and recover my reaction to the news and also keep it hidden from him at the same time.

I guess my words pleased him because he gave me a big evil grin. His red eyes flashed toward Ormond. "Now kill him."

"But why? He is not a threat. He is old and weak." I pleaded. I did not want to use the spell, not on an intelligent creature like Ormond.

Gaelon snarled and glared at me. "Weakness does not deserve pity. He is a liar and therefore a traitor to the King of Angoleth. Death is his fate and I am letting you decide how painful it will be."

I gulped and turned my neck to look at Ormond. I could not look at my father. Ormond stood with his head lowered in a bow toward me. It was like he was surrendering.

'Ruinar, you have love in your heart. One day you will be a wonderful and respected king, nothing like your dad. Do not regret what you did today. I am old and dying anyway. Think of it as mercy.' Ormond's voice pulsed in my head.

I gave my father a nod of faked confidence then closed my eyes and reached out to Ormond with my thoughts. He welcomed me in without struggle and it made me feel even more guilty.

'Thank you for all you have done for me. I will try my best to be...quick.' Even my mental voice was choking back tears of sadness. Ormond's thoughts suddenly filled with his own happy memories. Some were of dragons I recognized while others were strangers long dead.

"Ballanialueth!" I stammered, then I was getting dizzy and disoriented. I staggered and caught myself, back in my own body again. I heard my father begin to laugh with pleasure so I chanced a look. Ormond was collapsed on the floor, lifeless.

The taste of the magic was thick in my mouth, leaving me parched. I felt like I now had a heavy burden on my chest and I do not think it will ever leave me now that I have used dark magic. It's too soon to tell if it is my grief or the magic making me feel like a scumbag.

The only good thing I have gained from this day is the knowledge that my beloved mentor may actually be alive. I need to investigate this more since I see his mounted head on the wall above my father daily.

(Thanks for your continued support. I will try to keep up with at least one new post per week until this story is finished :) )